If you’re one of the 54 million Americans living with arthritis, you’re also a good candidate for arthritis treatment. Arthritis treatment can ease pain, improve mobility, and help you live a more active lifestyle. At Orthopaedic Surgical Associates, LLC in Fairbanks, Alaska, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Jimmy Tamai, MD, proudly offers an array of safe, effective arthritis treatments. To request your appointment, call the office or click the online scheduling tool today.
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 different diseases characterized by swelling and tenderness in the joints throughout your body. Without proper treatment, arthritis can affect your mobility and prevent you from participating in routine tasks such as going to work or walking the dog.
Though there’s no cure for arthritis, there are a variety of treatments that can prevent inflammation and improve your overall quality of life.
The most common symptoms of arthritis affect the joints. Telltale signs of arthritis include:
If you have arthritis, you might also notice that the skin around your affected joint appears red or warm to the touch.
Arthritis affects people of all ages, from children to adults. However, certain factors may increase your risk, including:
Your gender also plays a role. For example, women are more likely to experience rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more likely to experience gout.
Only a qualified medical professional like Dr. Tamai can determine if you’re a candidate for arthritis treatment. If you’re living with arthritis, and your pain doesn’t respond to conservative measures of care such as over-the-counter painkillers, ice, and rest, you can probably benefit.
Following a physical exam, review of your medical history, and a discussion of your symptoms and goals for treatment, Dr. Tamai develops a care plan that aligns with your individual needs.
Whenever possible, Dr. Tamai recommends conservative, noninvasive methods of arthritis treatment. Depending on your symptoms and the type of arthritis you have, he might prescribe medications such as counterirritants or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
If your pain persists, you might benefit from corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections. These minimally invasive treatments ease inflammation and encourage joint movement. If you have a severe case of arthritis, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Don’t let arthritis affect your mobility or quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tamai at Orthopaedic Surgical Associates, LLC, call the office or book online today.